“Use It or Lose It”: NCC Set to Release Fresh Guideline on Unused, Unclaimed Subscriber Airtime
- There are millions of mobile lines getting deactivated daily after more than six months of zero activity
- The question of what happens to their unused airtime has lingered, but NCC has now issued fresh guidelines to telecom operators
- MTN, Airtel, and other operators have 90 days to implement the guidelines and bring the customers on board
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
Legit.ng journalist Ruth Okwumbu-Imafidon has over a decade of experience in business reporting across digital and mainstream media.
In the spirit of creating and fostering a transparent and consumer-centric environment for telecommunication players in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced engagement with stakeholders to finalise a new set of guidelines.
These guidelines will focus on regulating unused and unclaimed subscriber airtime and deciding how long customers have to utilise their recharge.
Speaking at the Stakeholders Engagement Forum in Abuja, the NCC executive vice chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, noted that this was an important issue for both subscribers and the telecom operators, and a balance must be reached to safeguard consumer rights, while ensuring industry sustainability.
Source: UGC
He said that the forum would decide what to do with unused airtime after the line becomes inactive, without jeopardising consumer interest.
Unused airtime: Use it or lose it?
Maida explained that prepaid plans give Nigerian subscribers the flexibility and affordability to access mobile services.
He also pointed out that the Quality-of-Service Business Rules 2024 allow subscribers one year after deactivation to reclaim unused credit, only on the condition that they can provide evidence of ownership.
Maida pointed out;
“However, the broader debate remains—should operators be required to refund unused airtime, or should the principle of “use it or lose it” prevail? Our goal is to arrive at a framework that protects consumers while ensuring the continued efficiency and competitiveness of the industry.”
NCC issues Draft guidance, gives operators 90 days
The NCC head of Legal and Regulatory Services, Mrs Chizua Whyte, described the forum as a crucial engagement needed to help the commission fulfil its mandate of creating the right regulatory environment for telecommunication services in Nigeria.
She said the Quality of Service Regulation allows operators to deactivate or churn the line after long period of inactivity, but did not clearly state what would happen to unused credits which many subscribers leave behind, the PUNCH reports.
Whyte noted that the draft guidance contains clear, fair, and transparent provisions to manage unused credits in the interest of the subscribers and operators.
Source: UGC
Key provisions in the draft include:
- There is a 12-month window for subscribers to claim unutilised recharges after their line has been churned (deactivated or recycled), provided they prove ownership.
- Telecom operators must conduct a comprehensive audit of all churned numbers and their unused recharges and submit the same to the NCC.
- Unused or unclaimed recharges cannot be monetized. They must, however, be made available to the affected subscribers in voice offerings, data plans, and other value-added services.
NCC has also given the telecom operators a 90-day window to ensure full compliance, inform and properly educate the consumers on the new guidelines.
NCC addresses fast-data depletion allegations against MTN, Airtel
In related news by Legit.ng, the NCC refuted allegations of widespread quick data depletion on mobile networks in Nigeria.
The clarification followed claims by subscribers that telecom operators had diminished the value of data packages offered to customers.
The commission stated that an audit conducted in the third quarter of 2024 found no evidence to support these allegations.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Ruth Okwumbu (Business Editor) Ruth Okwumbu-Imafidon is a business journalist with over a decade's experience. She holds both a Masters' and B.Sc. degrees Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Delta State University. Before joining Legit.ng, she has worked in reputable media including Nairametrics. She can be reached via ruth.okwumbu@corps.legit.ng
Kola Muhammed (Copyeditor) Kola Muhammed is an experienced editor and content strategist who has overseen content and public relations strategies for some of the biggest (media) brands in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has over 5 years of experience in copyediting.
